Treatment
For early injury recovery and athlete conditioningHyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) for sports injuries
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the pressure inside the treatment chamber to 2.0 atmospheres or higher, allowing the patient to inhale 100% oxygen for more than 60 minutes. This significantly increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood.
HBO for Sports Injuries
Sports injuries include a wide range of conditions such as muscle strains and fractures. When pain is present, blood flow to the injured area is often reduced. By increasing atmospheric pressure and inhaling high‑concentration oxygen, HBO raises the level of dissolved oxygen in the bloodstream, which can promote tissue repair and help reduce swelling and pain.
Because of these benefits, many athletes use HBO as a treatment method to support faster recovery and early return to activity."
Treatment process
Preparation
- ・You will change into dedicated treatment clothing, and your physical condition for the day will be checked.
Before starting the treatment
- ・Electrocardiogram (ECG) and a blood pressure monitor will be attached. After checking your personal belongings, you will enter the chamber.
Pressurization
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・The pressure is gradually increased from 1 atmosphere to 2 atmospheres over 10–15 minutes.
(If you feel any discomfort in your ears, please perform ear equalization.)
During treatment
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・Once the pressure reaches 2 atmospheres, it is maintained for 60 minutes.
(You may watch television during the treatment.)
Depressurization
- ・The pressure is reduced back to 1 atmosphere over about 10 minutes. You will also need to perform ear equalization during this phase.
After treatment
- ・After exiting the chamber, staff will check for any ear discomfort or pain, as well as confirm that your ECG and blood pressure are normal. This completes the session.
Pre‑treatment considerations
1. Ear equalization(Staff will explain how to perform ear equalization before the session.)
During treatment, changes in pressure inside the chamber can create a pressure difference across the eardrum, which may cause ear pain. This sensation is similar to the ear fullness experienced when entering a tunnel or during airplane takeoff and landing. To relieve this discomfort, patients need to perform ear equalization themselves. If you have nasal congestion due to a cold or allergies, you may be unable to equalize ear pressure, and treatment may not be possible in such cases.
2. Claustrophobia
The hyperbaric chamber at our partner medical institutions is made entirely of clear acrylic panels, allowing patients to see the entire room from inside and receive treatment with reassurance. However, in rare cases, some individuals may experience discomfort or dizziness upon entering the chamber.
Changes in transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcpO2) measured on the skin
(Treatment conditions: 2.5 atmospheres, 60 minutes)
*The oxygen capsule data represent typical measurements obtained under low‑pressure conditions (for reference).
*Values may vary depending on measurement conditions and individual differences.
*This graph does not indicate treatment efficacy or clinical effectiveness.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy device “Paramed”
Treatment duration: approximately 85–100 minutes per session
- 1Pressure and oxygen concentration are gradually increased over 15–20 minutes
- 2Once the target pressure is reached, it is maintained for 60 minutes.
- 3The pressure is then reduced back to normal over about 10 minutes.
- 4After decompression, the patient is checked for any ear discomfort or other issues, and the session is completed.
99,000 yen (tax included)
*Depending on medical history, physical condition, and the physician’s assessment, treatment may not be possible in some cases.
